China defends Confucius Institute after new doubts in U.S.
BEIJING (Reuters) – China defended its government-funded Confucius Institute programs on Friday after new questions were raised in the United States about their transparency and effect on academic freedom.
Phoenix police officer shoots dead unarmed black man during scuffle
(Reuters) – A Phoenix police officer shot to death an unarmed black man during a struggle and authorities said the officer believed the individual had a gun, in the latest fatal incident amid national turmoil over the policing of black communities.
Starbucks debuts high-end Reserve roastery and cafe in Seattle
SEATTLE (Reuters) – Starbucks Corp Chief Executive Officer Howard Schultz, who introduced Americans to espressos, Frappuccinos and pumpkin spice lattes, is not about to let a bunch of well-funded independent coffee sellers beat his global chain at the …
Manhunt under way for Florida man suspected in triple homicide
TAMPA, Fla. (Reuters) – A search was under way on Thursday for a man suspected in the fatal shooting of a pastor at a Florida church, as well as the murders of his wife and another woman at a nearby home, by authorities investigating a triple homicide …
U.S. couple released by Qatar in child death return to Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – An American couple convicted and later cleared of wrongdoing in the death of their adopted African-born daughter in Qatar returned to Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon, a family spokesman said on Twitter.
Illinois asks high court for pension law hearing as soon as January
CHICAGO (Reuters) – Illinois’ top attorney asked the state supreme court on Thursday to put constitutional challenges to a pension reform law on the fast track by scheduling oral arguments as soon as Jan. 22 and no later than March 10.
California man whose wrongful conviction inspired Asian-American movement dies
(Reuters) – A Korean-American man who was wrongfully convicted of a 1973 gang murder in San Francisco and whose case inspired Asian-Americans of all backgrounds to mobilize for his freedom has died at age 62, friends said on Thursday.
U.S. lawmaker wants Ferguson police force dissolved
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. congressman for Ferguson, Missouri, said on Thursday he hopes the Justice Department disbands the city’s police department after the recent shooting of Michael Brown, and turns law enforcement duties over to St. Louis Co…
Washington state woman wins $90 million Powerball jackpot on first try
SEATTLE (Reuters) – A Washington state woman on Thursday claimed a $90 million Powerball lottery jackpot after buying a ticket for the first time, and said she would quit her job at plane maker Boeing Co and buy a new Subaru.
U.S. judge moves closer to possible action against Arizona sheriff
PHOENIX (Reuters) – A U.S. judge moved a step closer to pursuing possible contempt charges against Arizona lawman Joe Arpaio on Thursday, accusing the Maricopa County sheriff of failing to follow court mandates in a 2007 racial-profiling case.
